lorene from Anoka, MN

Students who want to finish their generals without paying too much for tuition. This college is for students who are looking to stay at home, because it is so close.

Tips for prospective students

I would say go to this to do your generals, so that you do not waste your money at an expensive school. And then just transfer to the college you want to graduate from after your general credis are done.

Bang for the buck

Anoka Ramsey Communtiy College is one of the cheapest colleges in Minnesota.A semester can cost two thousand dollars for 14 credits.

Am enjoying being here

Since, this college offers PSEO to high school students, there are a lot of juniors and seniors that attend, which I think takes away from the college experience.

Am learning a lot

The classes that are given at Anoka Ramsey Community College are as top notch as any university. There is also a lot to do, like the multi-cultural club and psychology club.

The best part is, is that they have it. It's not the best food and it's expensive.

Dorm Life

Doesn't offer dorms.

Academic Rigor

I feel like it could be a little more challenging in some subjects, and some of the teachers could be more excited and knowledgeable about their classes.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure you ask questions to other students on what type of teacher you're going to have. Sometimes having a teacher who doesn't get into what their teaching and just teach using power point make you not want to show up. Also, make sure you go!

In three sentences

I find Anoka Ramsey Community College to be rated average. It's a place to get your generals done for cheap. Plus they also offered PSEO for me during my senior year, so that's probably the best thing about it.

If you want to learn the unique art of glass blowing this is definitely the place to go. This college is a lot of fun and you will learn a ton. Just be prepared to do the work and you will be successful.

In three sentences

Anoka-Ramsey has a fun atmosphere. The people and teachers are very nice. There is also a high expectation for the students to do their best.

Lynden from Coon Rapids, MN

05/17/2012

Reviewer is A past student here.

6 of 26

Categories

Comments

Campus Safety

This is an incredibly safe area. There are very few crimes on campus, there is an elementary school down the street and it is right near wonderful neighborhoods. This school is definitely a very safe school to attend.

Greek Life

There are no sororities or fraternities.

Clubs and Activities

Currently there are not a big variety of clubs and sports and activities. There are many clubs but not like if you were attending a university.

Great for these types of students

Great for students that are unsure about what career path they would like to choose. Also great for low income families. Great for anyone that is looking to both work and go to school. I would recommend Anoka-Ramsey for anyone wanting to get a quality education for an affordable price.

Bang for the buck

Anyone can get a great education and degree from Anoka-Ramsey, and like they say that Anoka-Ramsey has the cheapest tuition in the State and I have seen that this is true.

What to do for fun

Anoka-Ramsey is very right down the street from Riverdale shopping center in Coon Rapids, and next to the Coon Rapids ice Arena, as well as the CR Dam. There are also many events planned by the school so students can always find something to do when not in class.

Food and Dining

The cafeteria is small but the staff is very friendly and the chef makes fresh food each day. However, it is slightly over priced in my opinion.

Dorm Life

This is a 2-year school so there are no dorms yet.

Academic Rigor

Many of the classes are relatively easy because most of the classes offered at Anoka-Ramsey are general education requirements. The 2000 level and higher are much, much harder however.

Tips for prospective students

It is very easy to get wrapped up in different jobs and doing various activities even sleeping in and skipping class because this is a 2-year college and the stakes seem low, but this is a real college and how you do in your classes does reflect your work ethic and how well you will do at the next school, so it is important that even though you are not studying at a big university that you still do well in the classes you take here, it is a lesson I had to learn the hard way.

In three sentences

This school was very affordable, and convenient. The professors are absolutely amazing, and extremely helpful due to the teacher to student ratio. It was low stress and easy to meet a variety of people in class and on campus.

Elizabeth from Andover, MN

07/08/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

9 of 26

Categories

Comments

Campus Safety

- There are services available to students who want to be escorted to their cars for safety reasons or who lock their keys in their cars - Campus security is always around and available whenever you need them

Greek Life

- Phi Theta Kappa, Alpha Delta Alpha Chapter -- an academic honor society for guys and girls - I know that there is also a psychology honors society

Clubs and Activities

There is a lot available to you here! Our soccer and basketball teams are epecially awesome and have won more than a few titles!

Great for these types of students

- Trying out college (not sure if they want to go, not sure what to expect, ect.) - Non-traditional students - Not sure what they want to major in - Intend to transfer

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The back of the building overlooks the Mississippi River. I love sitting on the patio, in the cafeteria, or in the student center to study because you can watch the river change throughout the seasons!

Bang for the buck

Great deal for the low cost!

What to do for fun

Check out the free yoga class that is available to all students and staff, you won't regret it! The instructor is fantastic!

Food and Dining

Not shabby! Very accessible and lots of healthy choices available alongside the sweets

Dorm Life

No dorms available here, but there are plenty of nearby apartments you can rent out

Academic Rigor

As with any academic work, you get what you put into it

Tips for prospective students

- Stick around after class! The people who only come for class and leave right after don't benefit from all that the college has to offer. - Get involved in something! Check out the astronomy club or go running with the running club! - Take advantage of the library! There are a ton of great resources just waiting for you. Check out the inter-library loan system if your doing research, it gives you access to all of the MN State Colleges and University's libraries! - If you have questions about anything, just ask a staff member, they can always point you in the right direction!

In three sentences

Anoka-Ramsey has a very friendly atmosphere, the staff are super-helpful, it is in a great location, and the tuition prices are the lowest in the state. This is a great place to start if you find the idea of plunging into a four year program daunting because it allows flexibility to try out college without a large financial obligation, and you can still have the choice of completing a two-year program or continuing on to a four-year program. Plus, lots of great places to study all around campus.

Lauren from Anoka, MN

I see campus security either walking around or in a car more then once a day that I am on campus.

Greek Life

I am not a part of Greek life, but I see a lot of posters advertising it.

Clubs and Activities

You will be able to find someone who has similar interests to you.

Great for these types of students

Budget friendly, working while attending school,

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Commuting is the biggest tradition that I am aware of.

Bang for the buck

Classes/tuition is cheap compared to a four year college.

What to do for fun

Join a club or take a class that seems fun.

Food and Dining

I personally don't buy food, I usually bring my own, but I haven't heard too many bad opinions!

Dorm Life

This is a commuter college, there isn't any housing.

Academic Rigor

Some programs are harder then others, you can find classes that will kick your butt or classes that you can sleep through.

Tips for prospective students

Even if you don't know what you want to do you can find a class that will spark a interest. And if you know what you want to do take a fun class that might not relate to that field.

In three sentences

Anoka Ramsey is a small commuter school that has a great art program. There are online, night, evening, weekend, and morning classes. It's an easy in between school for students who are just graduating from high school but want to continue to a four year college.

This college is great for students that are not sure what they want to major in. They can complete the general education credits and still have an opportunity to explore many areas of study to see if it's a good fit for them!

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

None

Bang for the buck

The tuition is the lowest in the state for a 2-year community college. However, this is NOT a cheap education! The instructors and professors really care about how well their students are doing and will go out of their way to assist!

What to do for fun

There are many clubs and organizations to join! We also have a great junior college sports program for both men and women!

Food and Dining

There is a cafeteria on campus along with a coffee shop. Can be expensive.

Dorm Life

No dorms.

Academic Rigor

Depends on your area of study. However, there are may free services for students to take advantage of to help them be successful in their studies!

Tips for prospective students

Take advantage of all the services you can. There is an Academic Support Center with peer and professional tutors. There is also a Math Skills and Advising Center also with peer and professional tutors. the more you take advantage of these services along with others, the more successful you will be.

In three sentences

Great for students that want to get their general credits done. A great place to explore different areas of study if you are not sure what you want to major in. A wonderful and caring staff that makes time to assist you with your needs.

Emily from Otsego, MN

02/06/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

13 of 26

Categories

Comments

Campus Safety

I have never needed campus security even while taking night classes, but I do always see them patroling the grounds. The school is very tolerant and I don't think there has been a fight of any kind on school grounds as long as I've attended.

Greek Life

Anoka-Ramsey offers one fraternity. Phi-Theta-Cappa. It involves your academics and also focuses on students with a psychology major.

Clubs and Activities

There are a lot of clubs on campus that meet during various times during the week. It is also possible to keep adding new clubs if you don't want to join an already existing club. It's a great place to make friends and get some exercise (body or mind).

Great for these types of students

Anoka-Ramsey is great for people who don't know what they want to do with their lives yet. It's easy to try out several different types of classes for a low cost, so it doesn't feel like wasted money if the student ends up in a different field of study.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The school just had the Music area remodeled and added a skyway connecting to the Visual Arts building. There is also a common corridor on the first level of the school where students of every kind will go to play video games and watch some tv or play board games in between classes.

Bang for the buck

Because Anoka is a community college it is less expensive. I have been enrolled for two semesters and haven't had to pay anything more than my FAFSA has covered. It's really great to get generals done here.

What to do for fun

There are a lot of different clubs on campus. I am in swing-dancing club and I love it! It's easy to make friends and if you want to try something out that you don't know if you'd like, people make you feel welcome. It's hard to not stay in a club once you join.

Food and Dining

The food is delicious! There's different options every day, and also vegetarian options. I feel like I can eat healthfully and as much as I'd like. It's about the same price of a fast food restaurant if you pay out of pocket, but there are meal plans available as well.

Dorm Life

There are no dorms.

Academic Rigor

The classes are set up to meet your needs as a student, academically. I have been challenged in some classes, and passed very easily in others. The only thing I dislike is that higher level classes are not offered.

Tips for prospective students

Don't expect to graduate at Anoka. It's a great school to get generals done, but there are not a lot of upper level classes that can be used towards a bachelors degree.

In three sentences

The school atmosphere is very friendly and well organized. For a community college, the academics are well placed and there are many options for several different levels of learning. It's easy to fit in and find a place at this college.

It is great for any student, who is willing to work for their grade. College is not for slackers.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The building is shaped in a square. In the center of it there is a courtyard, which is great to study and relax at in between classes.

Bang for the buck

It is a community college, so you get your classes a lot cheaper than what you would get with a University.

What to do for fun

There are many places to eat around this area. You can also go on Main St. where there are many great restaurants to study at. Also there are many places to shop on Main St.

Food and Dining

The cafeteria has decent food there.

Dorm Life

There are no dorms for ARCC, but there are apartments right next door.

Academic Rigor

It depends on the class you take. Some can be very intense while others go at a slow pace.

Tips for prospective students

If you are there to make friends, you must speak to the people first. Generally, most people are very nice and looking for a friend too.

In three sentences

Anoka Ramsey Community College is great for people who are looking to save some money on their education. Many of the people are there are not there to make friends. There is a variety of ages at this college.

Great for students who may have had a rough senior year in High School. The staff really help you find your hidden potential and help set you up for success in your college career. Also gives you an academic challenge without the financial stress and worry.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Not really anything that I have heard thus far.

Bang for the buck

Great education for a incredibly reasonable tuition.

What to do for fun

There are a lot of student activities during the day in the student lounge. There are also a lot of Art and Music-related programs put on in the theatre.

Food and Dining

No dining hall, but there is a great coffee shop in the student lounge.

Dorm Life

No Dorms or campus housing.

Academic Rigor

Provides an academic challenge.

Tips for prospective students

Staff are very supportive and want to help you succeed. Second year students are also very helpful, so do not be afraid to approach them for help.

In three sentences

Anoka-Ramsey Community College provides a very supportive and intimate learning environment. Staff and fellow students are very helpful. Building is easy to navigate and pleasant.

Kelsie from Coon Rapids, MN

I am a singer in my church choir and I teach sunday school. I mainly play a lot of music in my spare time.

Food and Dining

The food tastes good but is very overpriced for the quality.

Dorm Life

I did not live on campus

Academic Rigor

The hardest thing that I have found at Anoka Ramsey was keeping motivated to read the readings. There are many in each class and if you do not read them, you will not have an easy time.

Tips for prospective students

If you read the readings that professors assign and keep up on your homework, you will do fine! Don't worry!

In three sentences

Anoka Ramsey has taught me a little bit about how college is going to go. It is a lot like high school though, and that is not how it should be. The professors sometimes treat you like a high schooler instead of a college student.

Make sure you go to ratemyprofessor.com because some of the professors at this school are terrible and couldn't care less if you failed.

In three sentences

I think Anoka-Ramsey Community College is a good place to go if you are not ready to get out of high school.Great transition school from high school to a University. Good school for just finishing your generals because it is so cheap here.

Go to a play! They're free with your student ID, and they're always well done! You could see a game, too, if that's more your style.

Food and Dining

Eh. It's pretty good if you're willing to spend the money. I think it's pretty spendy, and if you have any night classes, the cafeteria will be closed. You're better off walking to the McDonalds down the street.

Dorm Life

There are no dorms at AR

Academic Rigor

Depends on your teacher. Some are super easy (Interpersonal Comm with McArthur. But she retired) Some are really challenging (Ed Wehling's classes, Patrick Shal's English classes...Bruce Homann's history classes) There's a nice variety. Try to spread the easy ones among the hard ones.

Tips for prospective students

Find your classes ahead of time so you don't get lost. Use the tutors, please! No seriously, they're there to help you. They don't bite. (Trust me; I was one. We get bored when you guys don't visit us. So come say hi). Go to class. Don't slack off or procrastinate, especially in online classes. Talk to your professors. They're not as scary as they look. Join a club or two. Try out for a play or join swing dancing. You'll make more friends that way.

In three sentences

There's a ton of diversity. You can learn just about anything here. It's super cost effective and a ton of fun.

Cappex is the company behind CollegeGreenlight.com.

College Greenlight is a service provided by Cappex.com, a leading college search website that has relationships with hundreds of colleges nationwide and years of experience helping millions of students achieve their college dreams.